Does landlord insurance cover vandalism?

Protecting your rental property and investment from unexpected risks will always be one of the top priorities for any landlord. One question that often comes up when trying to maximise protection is: does landlord insurance cover vandalism?

Landlord insurance is designed to protect against a range of risks, including vandalism, but coverage specifics can vary between different policies. This guide will explain how third-party vandalism is typically covered, how it relates to tenant negligence, and offer practical tips to safeguard your investment.

Whether you’re brand new to the rental market or a seasoned professional, understanding landlord options such as those offered by CIA Landlords is essential for peace of mind and protecting your investment as much as possible.

Does landlord insurance cover vandalism?

Landlord insurance is a specialist type of coverage designed to protect rental property owners from various risks. Landlord insurance from CIA Landlords generally covers vandalism under the buildings insurance, which protects against damage to the property’s structure from fire, vandalism and more.

Landlords should always ask their provider: does my landlord insurance cover vandalism? Not all policies are the same, so landlords need to know the terms and conditions to understand what their specific policy covers to avoid costly surprises when unexpected events occur. Many providers, like CIA Landlords, cover vandalism, but the extent of the coverage can vary.

Vandalism by third parties vs tenant vandalism

When it comes to vandalism, landlord insurance is typically split between damage caused by external parties and deliberate damage caused by the tenant. Understanding the difference is important to avoid unexpected costs later.

Third-party vandalism

If someone who is not staying at the property causes damage, such as breaking the exterior wall, landlord insurance is likely to cover it. Policies often include protection against deliberate acts by people who are not connected to the property.

The landlord must report the incident immediately and document the damage thoroughly. Any evidence, such as CCTV, can only strengthen the landlord’s position. 

Tenant-related vandalism 

Many standard policies will exclude damage caused deliberately by the tenant, tenant negligence, and wear and tear unless the landlord has opted for specific tenant vandalism insurance. 

Some insurers offer tenant vandalism insurance/malicious damage cover as an enhanced policy, which will be confirmed when you select your plan. Damage caused by a tenant’s guest or a problem caused by a lack of maintenance may also fall outside the standard coverage. 

Clear documentation and prompt reporting

If vandalism occurs and you need to make an insurance claim, acting quickly will increase your chances of reaching a successful outcome. There are a few steps that you can take to help with your claim against vandalism. The following steps will strengthen your case. 

• Documenting the damage: Take a clear photo or video of the damage as soon as possible. Note the date and time of the recording and any other evidence. If you completed an inventory list before or during the tenancy, include and refer to this. If you have CCTV, save the footage.
• Report to the police: If required, filing a police report and obtaining a crime reference number will be beneficial. Insurers may ask for this to process the claim.
• Notify the insurer as soon as possible: Delays can complicate or even invalidate your claim.
• Keep records: If you need to make any temporary repairs to the property, keep the receipt. It’s best to avoid making permanent repairs until the insurer has assessed the damage themselves.

Practical tips to minimise vandalism risks

Landlord insurance can offer protection against vandalism, and specific tenant vandalism insurance can broaden that protection. However, the best approach is always to prevent vandalism in the first place. While it’s not possible to guarantee no vandalism, the following practical tips can reduce the likelihood of damage to your rental property.

• Security measures: Landlords can install items such as CCTV cameras, ring doorbells and motion sensor lights. These items can deter vandals from causing damage to the rental property. Our specific guide article offers additional tips on how to secure your rental property.
• Extra equipment to protect the property: Anti-graffiti paint or installing reinforced windows can help bolster protection in high-risk areas.   
• Tenant screening: Thorough tenant screening can help identify potential problems with tenants. While no screening process is foolproof, it can reduce the risk of tenant vandalism. If landlords have some concerns, then they can opt for tenant vandalism insurance.
• Regular property inspections: Property inspections will allow landlords to identify vandalism if the tenant hasn’t sent a report immediately. Visits, with notice, should be scheduled periodically throughout the tenancy.
• Property maintenance: Keeping on top of maintenance tasks and fulfilling responsibilities is less likely to attract vandals.
• Well-written tenancy agreement: The tenancy agreement should clearly state whether the tenant or landlord is responsible for certain aspects of the rental property. Landlords can also include clear guidelines and the consequences of deliberate damage. 

Protecting your property

So, does landlord insurance cover vandalism? Many policies, such as those offered by CIA Landlords, often include vandalism coverage as part of a comprehensive package, though it’s important for landlords to carefully review policy terms to understand any exclusions or conditions.

Landlords need to compare policies, read the fine print, and consult with providers like CIA Landlords to ensure they have the right level of protection against vandalism and other potential hazards. It’s also worth researching your options around tenant vandalism insurance.

To explore your options, compare landlord insurance quotes or find out more information, contact CIA Landlords at 01788 818 670 today or get a quote online. Protect your investment with the right coverage and enjoy greater peace of mind as a landlord.